Microwave Popcorn

I saw this post about making your own microwave popcorn- I have tried it and it works! Rock on! I like it because it makes small batches- so there is no wasted popcorn.

Here is the link with the directions.

http://www.makeandtakes.com/easy-homemade-microwave-popcorn

Rolls

One of the blogs I follow- Little Birdie Secrets- featured these rolls. I thought they looked good and seemed pretty easy to do so I tried them out today. They are good... so good in fact I have eaten three already. I hadn't found my Go-to-Roll-Recipe- but I have now.

Little Birdies' Homemade Crescent Rolls

2 c. warm water, 110-115°
2 Tbsp. rapid rise yeast (aka bread machine yeast)
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. powdered milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
5-6 c. bread flour

Softened butter

Pour water in a bowl and sprinkle yeast over the top. Allow to soften about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Dough will be a little sticky, but if it's really sticky add a little more flour. Allow to rise in bowl for 45 minutes. Punch down and allow to rise for another 45 minutes. Break into two equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each chunk into a large circle. Spread softened butter (not melted) onto entire circle. Cut into wedges with pizza cutter. (I do 12 for smaller rolls, or 8 for larger.) Starting with wide end of triangles, roll up like a crescent roll. Place on cookie sheets with pointed end tucked underneath (so it doesn’t pop open during baking) and bake at 400° for 10-14 minutes, or until just golden on top.

NOTE:

GO TO THEIR WEBSITE (the above link) to see pictures and commentary.

Also- I didn't have Bread Flour and so I just used All Purpose and it worked out just fine for me.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Cafe Rio Rice and Pork

Cafe Rio Rice

3 Cups Rice

6 Cups water

4 tsp. Chicken bouillon

4 tsp Garlic- minced

1/2 bunch Cilantro chopped

1 can diced green chilies

3/4 tsp. salt

1 Tablespoon Butter

1/2 Onion

Blend cilantro, green chilies, and onion together in food processor. Add all ingredients to rice and cook the rice as you would cook regularly. (Bring to boil, turn to low and cover. Do not disturb for 20 minutes.)

Cafe Rio Pork

3-4 Boneless pork chops

1 McKormick Grillmate Southwest Marinade packet

1 Bottle Dr. Pepper (or enough to cover the pork)

1/2 C. Vinegar

2 Tablespoons oil

2 Cups unpacked brown sugar ( I never use the full amount of sugar. I think I used about one cup and it tasted just fine)

Mix all ingredients together and cook pork in a crock pot on low for about 2 1/2 hours. Then take pork out and shred with a fork and then put the pork back in the mixture for 2 1/2 hours longer.

Cafe Rio Dressing

1 C buttermilk ranch dressing packet (make as directed on the package)

2 tomatillos

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 clove garlic (to taste)

juice of 1 lime

1 jalapeno

Put in the blender or food processor to blend all ingredients well, then refrigerate.

Notes:

I did not have all the ingredients for the dressing. I am sure it is best this way, but if all you have is ranch and cilantro it is good that way too.

Once you are done, warm tortilla in microwave with cheese. Add rice, pork, lettuce, dressing, black beans. It is all very tasty together.

Submitted by Melynda

Posted by Janelle

Chunky Apple Cake

Here is the recipe of the apple cake we had for my birthday- I am glad you enjoyed it. It takes a bit of work (cutting up all the apples) so it is one we make for a special occasion- it is not just a throw-everything-together-real-fast recipe.

Chunky Apple Cake

Cake Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 cup flour

1-1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

6 cups chopped peeled tart apples

Butterscotch Sauce:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be stiff). Stir in apples until well combined.

Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Serve with cake.

-taken from Taste of Home website. I found this recipe after Kaley and I went to an orchard and picked apples in the Fall 2007. I was looking for something to use up the apples. This cake gets yummier with time- the next day tastes better than the day made.